Headteacher- Full-time

Educating for life in all its fullness. (John 10:10)

After 10 years of successful leadership, the Governors at Chiddingstone Church of England School are seeking to appoint a new Headteacher to take up post in September 2023.

Located in a beautiful National Trust village, less than an hour from London, Chiddingstone Church of England School is a one-form entry, co-educational primary school. At the heart of the school is a strong Christian ethos where all are valued.

The School converted to a Single Academy Trust ten years ago and, as such, we greatly value both our independence and the freedom we have to set our own educational and learning agenda. We have an experienced and dedicated staff team and happy and caring pupils, who demonstrate positive behaviour for learning and embrace the many educational opportunities we offer.

In recruiting a new Headteacher, we are seeking someone who shares our distinctive vision and ethos. The successful candidate will have the drive, enthusiasm and relevant experience to build on what has been achieved to date, and the interpersonal skills to bring our excellent team of staff along with them. They will benefit from the support of an experienced senior leadership team, comprising of two part-time Deputy Heads, a dedicated Inclusion Lead and a full-time School Business Manager.

To succeed our new Headteacher will

• be committed to the Christian distinctiveness of our Church of England School and embrace, promote, and develop our Church School Values
• have proven leadership skills and experience, and be able to think strategically
• support, motivate and inspire a highly experienced staff team
• have a resilient approach, with the ability to turn challenging situations into positive outcomes 
• continue to place effective inclusion and wellbeing of all children and staff at the centre of school life
• have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to continue to engage and forge positive partnerships with the children, parents, staff, the Governing Body, the Church, our local community and partnership schools

In return, we can offer

• a welcoming school with a positive and caring environment
• engaged, well-behaved, caring, enthusiastic children with a desire for learning
• opportunities for continued professional development and support
• a positive relationship with parents, the Church, the Governing Body and our community
• a dedicated, experienced and passionate staff team and a supportive, committed and skilled Governing Body
• the opportunity to work every day in a wonderful school located in a National Trust village, in the beautiful surroundings of the stunning Kent countryside

Applicants are welcome to visit the school to meet with the current Headteacher and have a tour of the school. Please contact Louise Clarke (Clerk to the Governing Body) finance@chiddingstone.kent.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

If you wish to discuss the role further, please contact the Chair of Governors, Christopher Darlington, via Louise Clarke, using the email link above.

To apply for this role, send your completed application form to finance@chiddingstone.kent.sch.uk

We look forward to receiving your application.

Chiddingstone Church of England School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Any conditional offer of appointment will be made subject to receipt of all required documentation and satisfactory verification of all necessary checks.